Surname Niekel - Meaning and Origin
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Niekel: What does the surname Niekel mean?
The last name Niekel is of German origin. It is derived from the German word “knekel,” which means small person. The origin of the name is believed to refer to a small person, though some speculated that it may have been in reference to a particular ancestor’s physical attributes or profession.
In the Middle Ages, it was common for individuals to take a toponymic surname, which was derived from the place where they lived or from a landmark. It is likely that this is how the Niekel surname became popular. Since “knekel” is related to “knecht” (servant), it is possible that the name is associated with the medieval practice of vassalage.
Throughout Europe, many surnames variations of Niekel exist, such as Knuekel, Kniek, Niek, Nekels, Nekelmann, and Nekel. Today, many people with the Niekel surname reside in Germany, the Netherlands, England, and Scandinavia.
Niekel is an uncommon surname today, however, it is still a proud name to bear. Although its original meaning may be lost on its modern bearers, the Niekels of the world can take pride in the fact that their name is one of the oldest German surnames.
Order DNA origin analysisNiekel: Where does the name Niekel come from?
The last name Niekel is typically found in the Netherlands and Germany today. It is a German surname derived from the German nickname “nickel”, which referred to a “brave or bold” person. It is a fairly uncommon surname and so is usually found in its native countries.
In the Netherlands, Niekel is the most popular surname in several provinces, including North Holland, South Holland, Overijssel, and Limburg. According to the Dutch Nederlandse Veldnamenbank (Dutch Fieldname Bank), Niekel was first recorded in the Dutch provinces in 1199. It has remained popular in the Netherlands for centuries and is one of the 25 most common surnames in the country.
In Germany, Niekel is a very uncommon surname and is most often found in the northern part of the country. According to a genealogical database, it was first recorded in Baden-Würrtemberg in 1621 and then in Schleswig-Holstein in 1702.
Niekel is also found in small numbers in the United States, Canada, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. It is likely that the people who bear this surname in non-German speaking countries are descendants of immigrants from Germany and the Netherlands who have been living outside of their native countries for generations.
Variations of the surname Niekel
Niekel is an uncommon surname, but variants, spellings, and other related surnames do exist. The spelling of Niekel itself is often used in the Netherlands, and other Dutch-speaking countries.
Niekal is one variant, which is found more frequently than the original spelling. It is used as both a first and last name, but less rarely as a surname. Niekelle is another form of the name, and is also used in Dutch-speaking countries.
Nikkel, Nikkle, and Nijkel are the alternative spellings most often used, and are all very similar to the original form. As a surname, they are all rarely found. Nickels is another form of the name, and is used more frequently as a surname.
Finally, there are a few related surnames that are derived from the same origin. Nikkels, Niklison, and Nekratier are all variations of Niekel and are found mainly in western European countries. Nikles and Niekles may also be related and are more commonly found in the United States.
In conclusion, Niekel is an uncommon surname but variants, spellings, and related surnames exist. The most common variants are Niekal, Niekelle, Nikkel, Nikkle, Nijkel, Nickels, Nikkels, Niklison, Nekratier, Nikles, and Niekles.
Famous people with the name Niekel
- Mark Niekel: journalist and author, founding editor of the Dutch hip-hop magazine Flex
- Johan Niekel: Dutch footballer
- Wouter Niekel: Dutch fashion photographer
- David Niekel: Dutch entrepreneur and TV personality
- Henk Niekel: Dutch sculptor
- Sjoukje Niekel: Dutch retired synchronised swimmer
- Marijn Niekel- Rozeboom: Dutch visual artist
- Alexander Niekel: Dutch actor
- Kris Niekel: Dutch fashion editor, stylist and costume designer
- Mees Niekel: Dutch professional surfer